Whats up guys. I've been beating around the bush trying to get together a plan to get a latemodel 5.0 in my 65, so I'm gonna start a "build thread" on the process so I can ask y'all some questions with out starting a new thread for every single question, and post up pictures of the process so others can learn from it (and my mistakes). The car has already been restored so this will almost start as a build for just the drive-train and supporting components.

For now, I'm staying on the cheaper side of things, so a stroker kit or any kinda aspiration isn't in the budget. I'm no car genius by any means, I've got plenty to learn, but I've got the basics down. I'm going to get some new pictures of the car, and what I've got to work with, tomorrow, to hopefully keep you guys motivated to help me out

heres some info to start. a lincoln versailles 9" rear end will sit 1" off center in your car so you need to move the sporing perches.

an explorer 8.8 rear will have the pumpkin a few inches off so you need to shorten the driver side axle tube and run a passenger side axle in the driver side.

no need for a stroker, a 351 windsor should fit nicely though its a bit tight by the steering box. they are cheap from the grave yards.
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Not sure if you read my whole post too closely or not, but my plans are a 302. Engine clearance won't be an issue because I've got the Mustang II front suspension already, like said above. Thanks for the other info though!

I second your decision to go with a 5.0. My personal choice would be carburetion in place of fuel injection, even though the injection would be more efficient. T-5 is a good choice and easy enough to install. Don't know about the Versailles rear axle, as I've had several issues installing one in a 1965-66, even though an offset pumpkin was not noticed in the several I installed. Relocating spring pads was not necessary in my fit-ups. Parking brake setup is a nightmare. The 8.8" axle seems to be somewhat in favor, even though I've never felt that the 8.8" was better than a 9", and the 9" install is really straightforward. Even with budget restrictions, I would locate and install a correct 9" or even an 8" unless you plan to really rip and snort with the car.
The 351W is my favorite power plant; however, with the really tight fit in the 1965, I would not consider it a candidate.
Best,
Al

I second your decision to go with a 5.0. My personal choice would be carburetion in place of fuel injection, even though the injection would be more efficient. T-5 is a good choice and easy enough to install. Don't know about the Versailles rear axle, as I've had several issues installing one in a 1965-66, even though an offset pumpkin was not noticed in the several I installed. Relocating spring pads was not necessary in my fit-ups. Parking brake setup is a nightmare. The 8.8" axle seems to be somewhat in favor, even though I've never felt that the 8.8" was better than a 9", and the 9" install is really straightforward. Even with budget restrictions, I would locate and install a correct 9" or even an 8" unless you plan to really rip and snort with the car.
The 351W is my favorite power plant; however, with the really tight fit in the 1965, I would not consider it a candidate.
Best,
Al

Looking towards the future, I can see some extra ponies, so I think I'll overbuild now, and go with a correct fit 9". Not sure if y'all are seeing it or not, but fitment really isn't an issue, with the Mustang II front suspension. But y'all do keep mentioning a 351 and its kinda making me do some thinking. I have heard a 351 is a scad taller, but I wouldn't mind a cowl hood on this car.

Thankfully snapped some pictures this morning before work, cause it starting raining cats and dogs as soon as I got home. It's a shame I'm pulling the cool little 200 I6, but it just aint quite scratching the itch

Not sure if you read my whole post too closely or not, but my plans are a 302. Engine clearance won't be an issue because I've got the Mustang II front suspension already, like said above. Thanks for the other info though!

hello;

yes i did read it and also read that you mentiined a stroker but your budget would not allow it and also memtioned that you were not a car genius so i thought i would mention that you can put a windsor in their for near the same money and have your "stroker" but one that is much better because manny do not realize a 351 will fit.
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yes i did read it and also read that you mentiined a stroker but your budget would not allow it and also memtioned that you were not a car genius so i thought i would mention that you can put a windsor in their for near the same money and have your "stroker" but one that is much better because manny do not realize a 351 will fit.
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Alright guys. This has kinda drug on cause I'm always slow with my projects, but here's a little update with the build.

Finally got this hunk of crap out.

After I got the motor out, I pressure washed the entire engine bay, underside of the car, and all around the suspension, etc. Too many spiders made their homes in my car > Got her back into the garage and it sat for a while. Ordered up a new pair of motor mounts cause I'll probably have to hack up my old ones I welded in.

Rod and Custom Motorsport Mustang II 289/302 Motor Mounts. Shiny

From there, I went on the hunt for a good 302/T-5. I found a few on car-part but never got around to finding a decent mileage motor. Then my buddy calls me a couple weeks later saying he bought a 99 Explorer motor for his 66 Coupe and he'll be doing a swap out with the old 289 in the car :/ So I kept looking and looking, and about a month later he calls me up and offers up the motor for sale. I jumped on it quick as I could, and he even cut the shipping cost he had to pay the salvage yard. So here she is after I brought it home.

99 Explorer 5.0 with GT40p Heads.

I'll most likely start tearing it down this weekend, and I'll be sure to take some pictures. The P heads will probably come off, unless I can find a really good deal on some P head specific headers.

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